Letters to the editor for Dec. 8, 2012

Something we can't ignoreThank you for your Dec. 2 editorial, "What's Florida's water worth?" You laid it all out clearly. In a nutshell, we are past the point of no return regarding the pollution of our Silver Springs, Silver River, "lakes, other rivers, streams and seashores." Since all these Central Florida water entities have already been affecting our aquifer's clean water supply, especially our drinking water, as you said for — "some 14 years" — a question, please.Why is the Adena Springs Ranch still in our picture? In a surprising Nov. 27 article by Bill Thompson, we read that the St. Johns River Water Management District gave Frank Stronach another extension for the huge water permit he so desperately needs for his polluting 30,000-head cattle ranch. In view of the accepted scientific data, and in view of the parade of government officials and the environmentally connected who cruised up and down our famous Silver River and were horrified at what they saw, why did the water district award Stronach another extension?We will ALL need to help clean our water supply because we need clean water to survive and to be healthy, as our state needs it for its economic survival. The same people who voted no for fees for our children's education in August are the same people who voted no on Nov. 6 to save our acclaimed hospital, Munroe Regional Medical Center. Both taxes would have cost us a miniscule amount in taxes for our children's education and to keep our award-winning hospital safe and out of corporate hands.These same people will be asked to vote "yes" to save our water supply? Good luck with that!I'd suggest that the last two paragraphs in the Dec. 2 editorial be read carefully, from the words "In the final analysis."Marilyn KeeganOcala

Save a treeConstruction crews at the new Walmart on Maricamp Road, or maybe Walmart itself, didn't show much "green consideration." There was a magnificent tree on property, which seemed distant to actual parking areas. One would think the tree would be saved, but it was not, which unto itself is a crime.If you wants to stop global warming, plant or save a tree. It's a known fact that removal of vast areas of Brazilian rain forest has contributed to global warming.Those arguing that trees are nonessential to preventing global warming simply are not accepting facts. In reality, the earth is a closed system, and if one views the life cycle of trees, it becomes apparent they are essential to lowering global warming statistics. But, those ignoring global warming effects are not looking at the whole ecological picture of earth nor, in most cases, do they care, because trees seem expendable like the Maricamp Road scenario.So, plant or save a tree to prevent global warming.Have you planted your tree today? Your breathing may depend upon it.Bob LandschootOcala

Faith and politicsMy heart goes out to the family whose daughter was born with megalencephaly ("Panhandle girl with rare disorder to get surgery"), but I question the statement that they "are almost entirely self-sufficient." Neither parent works and the father receives disability. I'm guessing the daughter's care is paid for by Medicaid, and the other children in the family get free or reduced school lunches. In other words, they're among the "47 percent" who are dependent on tax-supported government benefit programs for their survival.Meanwhile, several recent letters to the editor characterized President Barack Obama as "anti-Christ" on the rationale that he is pro-choice and does not oppose gay marriage, and expressed their disgust that anyone of faith would vote for a Democrat.In the Gospels, Christ taught that we should clothe the naked, visit the imprisoned, care for the sick and feed the hungry. He was silent on the topic of abortion. The only remarks he made regarding marriage were in opposition to divorce, a subject on which the self-styled Christian right is utterly silent. He also said that it would be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven.If it were up to the Republicans, a family with eight children, including one severely disabled child, would be denied "entitlement" programs such as disability and Medicaid. After all, they chose to have all those kids. Why should the wealthy pay taxes to support them?Because it's the right — as in, decent — thing to do, that's why. I am proud to count myself among the many people of faith who voted for Democratic candidates because I believe in Christ's teachings regarding our obligation to care for the needy.Frances RussellOcklawaha

Pre-parade messIt's that time of year again. The holidays are upon us. Time for the beautiful lights and decorations from our neighbors and the ones the city puts up.Why, then, do we allow people to trash our roadways? I am talking about the annual practice of putting out lawn chairs and yellow tape all up and down Silver Springs Boulevard and 25th Avenue.All to save a seat for the Christmas parade? It seems to be happening earlier and earlier each year.To me, it cheapens what Ocala is all about. We have a beautiful part of the country right here in our own backyard. Not only does it look trashy, but what if chairs get blown into the road? Sounds like an accident waiting to happen.I just don't get it. The parade route is pretty long, so I would think anyone who wants to go would be able to find a spot the day of. Go then, stake out your spot and sit and wait for the parade — just don't leave your chairs there a week before.Kathy KlementsOcala